An imaginary pet leaves one little lad “In The Dog House”, in Becca Robin’s short story. Illustrated by Pat Gregory. Stories for the annual are bought and illustrated all the way through the year, and I’m already starting to plan for our Annual 2026. Dundee became known as the “City of the 3 Js”– jute, jam and journalism, reflecting the importance of these three very different industries to the prosperity of the city. We also take a look “Through The Manse Window”, with thoughts and reflections from cherished contributors. Next Year’s Annuals With Queen Victoria on the throne, and Prime Minister William Gladstone in No. 10, Downing Street, a publishing revolution was underway in the Scottish city of Dundee. This culminated in the launch of “The People’s Friend” on January 13, 1869.

stories for our annual are perhaps the most traditional of all our fiction, and often reflect the passing year, so seasonal submissions are welcome. To Buy A Copy The Love Darg, The People’s Friend’s own charitable appeal, started in 1895. The name came from an old Scots phrase meaning “a day’s work done for love”. In time it transformed into a major nationwide charitable appeal where readers would make thousands of gifts which were donated annually to over 80 hospitals, children’s homes, care homes and hospices across the UK in time for Christmas. It’s still going today, with readers knitting or crocheting items or giving cash donations each year. In 1969, “The People’s Friend” celebrated its 100th birthday and a special centenary tea towel was available for readers to buy. In 1981, “The People’s Friend” introduced a new “filler” feature to the magazine. It was called “The Farmer And His Wife” and was a series of couthy tales told by a fictional farmer named John Taylor.The millennium marked a fresh optimism as the world celebrated. Looking to the future, the “Friend” embraced the digital world while holding strong to traditional values. In the short years of Edward VII’s reign great things would happen, and great events unfold. In 1908 the “Friend” marvelled at man’s conquest of the skies by men such as the Wright brothers and Bleriot. You can enjoy little nuggets of information about all destinations throughout the UK, accompanied by lovely J.Campbell Kerr illustrations. A four-legged friend helps heal a family rift in “Lead The Way”, by Jane Ayres. Illustration from Tracy Fennell.

For now, at least, the war was over, life could return to normal – and the “Friend” and its readers could look forward to the future. Supplements such as “Aunt Kate’s Jumper Book” and “Aunt Kate’s Cookery Book” were included free with “The People’s Friend”. Jenny receives an invite to her sister’s 30 th, but after an incident in their past, can she “Forgive And Forget”? By Barbara Dynes, with artwork from Ruth Blair. Village newcomer Alice hopes to make new friends by sharing her “Damsons In Distress!”. By Jane Bettany, with artwork from Andre Leonard. During the Eighties and Nineties, young women looked to strong female role models to guide their ambitions. The “Friend” was there to encourage readers in every sphere.When an English couple take in a student for six months, they soon realise he’s become part of the family. “The Empty Chair”, by Glenda Young, is illustrated by Sarah Holliday.

Peace had been restored once more, and it was time for the “Friend” and its readers to leave behind the dark days of war and embrace a bright new future. Diane loses her beloved climbing rose, and struggles to find a replacement in “A Rose By Any Other Name”, by Patsy Collins. Artwork, Ruth Blair. Cara is cat-sitting for her lovely gran. What could go wrong?! “A Major Problem”, by Eirin Thompson, is illustrated by Mandy Murray.Our annuals for 2025 are already with our Production Team, and we’ve now starting to gather stories and poems for our 2026 annuals. The People’s Friend Annual 2024 is available now, and the stories for PFA 2025 are with our Production Team.

The Sixties and Seventies were defining years for Britain, transforming the country into a place of freedom and hope, and the “Friend” was there every step of the way. Victorian Britain saw an unprecedented explosion in scientific discovery, and the “Friend” was determined to keep its readers up to date. The “Friend” was in no doubt that electricity would change our world and welcomed the imminence of the electric light, turning night into day. and a gran finds that helping at a local school is more rewarding than she’d expected in “Stitched Up!”. By Laura Tapper, with artwork from Helen Welsh. Favourite Authors Harry isn’t pleased when he’s asked to help with a beach clean. But then he finds something special that changes everything. “Seal Of Approval”, by Alyson Hilbourne, A Charming And Traditional ReadRecognised as the longest-running women’s weekly magazine, you’ll be surprised at the momentous events and anniversaries that have taken place around the world since “The Friend” was first launched. Since 1869, the magazine has witnessed social upheaval and amazing inventions, seen monarchs come and go, men set foot on the moon and women gain the vote – but it has never lost its instinct for what its readers want from their magazine. and in “Everything Changes”, by Alyson Hilbourne, a WW2 bombing raid leads to an extended family. Artwork, Ged Fay. We’re in 1980 for our next story, set around a college quiz night. “A Little Knowledge”, by Gwen Rollinson, is illustrated by Philip Crabb.